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The Sources & Uses Budget Template has been revised and updated to reflect changes in development costs and improve ease of use. Be sure to use the most recent version for your planning, and update any older budgets you may have already created. Along with the updated template, we are pleased to provide a new […]

From FCI Director Stuart Reid: “Many of you have been asking for details on the 2018 Seed Grants. FCI relies on outside contributions to support the Seed Grant program, and we cannot make any commitments until we know we have funding. This year our budget will not allow for our typical grant offerings. However, we […]

Food Co-op Initiative announced that Sugar Beet Food Co-op in Oak Park, IL is the recipient of their annual Startup of the Year award. Food Co‐op Initiative created the Startup of the Year Award to recognize the heroic efforts made by new co‐ops to open stores in their communities. The Sugar Beet Co-op opened in […]

The annual Consumer Cooperative Management Association Conference is May 31 – June 2, 2018 in Portland, OR. This conference s geared towards open co-ops and startups in stage three. The conference includes full days of workshops, keynote speakers, vendor info, and networking time, and is hosted in Portland, OR Startup attendees should be sure to […]

As startups seek investors and loans, a solid business plan is essential. A Food Co-op Business Plan Guide (click to download) is a new tool to help startups build their own business plan. It allows them to express their vision while clearly communicating the information potential lenders and investors will understand. You can find it […]

Often the criteria for the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) grant from the USDA shift a bit from year to year. FCI is always watching for the criteria release around this time so we can read it over and let you all know if start up food co-ops seem to fit the desired program criteria. […]

The new Real Estate Resource Guide is now available for free download. This guide seeks to clarify the tools and resources available for food co-ops to efficiently secure and develop the physical space needed for their store. The need to design and build an attractive building in a location that easily serves a growing shopper […]

Up & Coming 2018 is sure to be our best startup gathering yet. Mark your calendar for March 16-17, 2018, with March 15 an optional day for tours and workshops. This is THE EVENT of the year for all retail food co-op startups. We encourage you to bring as many organizers as possible so you can fully participate […]

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